God Never Changes – Family Devotion – September 9, 2020

Read: Exodus 6:2-8

“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord.”
Exodus 6:6

God Never Changes

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“McDonald’s again? Really? Well . . . thanks . . . I guess.” Ty had a very disappointed look on his face, and his mom could tell. “What’s the matter, Ty? I thought you loved McDonald’s,” she said. “I used to, but not anymore. Now I love Chick-Fil-A. I don’t like burgers either. I like chicken,” Ty told her. “When did this happen?” she asked. “Yesterday,” he said. “The Chick-Fil-A commercial was really funny, so I like that more McDonald’s!” His mom couldn’t believe it. In a single day, Ty changed his favorite food because of one commercial!

Have you ever noticed how often we do this? One day we like one food, then the next day we change our mind. One day a kid loves to play with Legos or Barbies and the next day they are hidden under the bed because they “aren’t cool” anymore. One day we cheer for our favorite athlete, but then he gets traded to a different team. We change our minds and our feelings a lot in our lives!

Can you imagine if God did the same thing? What if God changed his mind about you? What if God said one day, “I love you so much,” but on the next day said, “Well, you just sinned really badly so I don’t love you so much anymore.” What if God made a promise to you in the Bible, but then changed his mind as fast as Ty did about McDonald’s? That would be awful! How would you ever know how God felt about you? How could you ever be certain of what he would do for you?

Thankfully, that will never ever happen with our God! In today’s devotion we hear God’s promise to the Israelites to bring them out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Three times in these verses God said, “I am the Lord.” Those very special words are a very special name. When God uses the name, “I am . . .,” he is telling us who he is. He will never change, and he will always be the same. When God uses that name, LORD, he is telling us that his love and promises will never change either. And sure enough, God kept his promise to lead his people out of Egypt.

God reminds us today, “I am the Lord.” He is not going to change. He will always be our loving and forgiving God. His promises aren’t going to change either. He will always be with you. He will always forgive you. And best of all, he will never break his promise to take you to the Promised Land of heaven. God will never change his mind about that. You are loved today, tomorrow, and always!

Closing Prayer:

God, I know that when you say you love me and forgive me, you will never change your mind. I also know that you will keep your promise to bring me to heaven, too. Thank you! Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What does it mean that God made a promise to us?
• When God makes a promise, what do you know he will always do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What makes it so hard for us to keep our promises? Explain your answer.
• Give examples from the Bible of promises that God made and kept for his people.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• A Bible verse with a similar thought to today’s devotion is this one: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Explain in your own words what that verse means to you.
• Explain this statement: Because God never changes, I don’t need to be afraid of changes in my life.

Hymn: CW 538:1,3 – The Church’s One Foundation

The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is his new creation By water and the Word.
From heav’n he came and sought her To be his holy bride;
With his own blood he bought her, And for her life he died.

The Church shall never perish. Her dear Lord, to defend,
To guide, sustain, and cherish, Is with her to the end.
Though there be those that hate her And strive to see her fail,
Against both foe and traitor She ever shall prevail.